U.S. Gymnastics Legend Defends Simone Biles After 'Hateful' Fan Remark

Simone Biles is getting plenty of support after a mean-spirited interaction with a fan.

Former U.S. Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu spoke up to defend Biles after an interaction that Biles called "hateful." The drama came after Biles clapped back at criticism from gymnastics judge Emily Chan about her floor music earlier this week. After Chan deactivated her X account, one fan blamed Biles and her fans.

"Wtf just happened with Emily?! I just hope Simone flops hard now because her fans are insufferable and know no limits," the fan wrote on X . "Cancelling her for saying the truth was already bad, but going after HER JUDGE LICENSE?? Her chorey and artistry are atrocious! Everyone can see it LMAO"

Biles responded, saying her original comment to Chan was meant only as a joke and accused the person of being "hateful."

Moceanu agreed, saying Biles faces a double standard.

"...but the notion 'you're an Olympian, you should take the high road' has become such a tired cliché," Moceanu replied to Biles on X . "It's a curious contradiction that the liberties of expression are celebrated for some, yet selectively denied to others."

Related: Simone Biles Claps Back Amid Fan Backlash for Interaction With Gymnastics Judge

Moceanu has supported Biles in the past, speaking up when Biles withdrew from most of her events at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health. Moceanu, part of the "Magnificent Seven" who took gold at the 1996 Olympics, said she admired Biles for putting her health first in a sport that didn't always look out for its athletes.

“@Simone_Biles decision demonstrates that we have a say in our own health—‘a say’ I NEVER felt I had as an Olympian,” Moceanu wrote . “In our sport, we essentially dive into a pool w/ no water. When you lose your ability to find the ground—which appears to be part of @Simone_Biles decision—the consequences can be catastrophic. She made the right decision for the team & herself.”